{{short description|2011 film by Suseenthiran}} {{Unreliable sources|date=January 2026}} {{EngvarB|date=March 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}} {{Infobox film | name = Rajapattai | image = Rajapattai.jpg | caption = Theatrical release poster | director = Suseenthiran | producer = Prasad V. Potluri | writer = Bhaskar Sakthi <small>'''(Dialogues)'''</small> | story = Aasim Tiger | screenplay = Suseenthiran | based_on = | starring = {{plainlist| *Vikram *Deeksha Seth *K. Viswanath }} | narrator = | music = Yuvan Shankar Raja | cinematography = R. Madhi | editing = Kasi Viswanathan | studio = PVP cinema | distributor = Gemini Film Circuit<ref name="indiaglitz3">{{cite web|title='Rajapattai': Under Gemini Film Circuit|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/74604.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129202549/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/74604.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 November 2011}}</ref> | runtime = 133 minutes | released = {{Film date|df=yes|2011|12|23|India}}<ref name="indiaglitz3"/> | country = India | language = Tamil | budget = {{INR}}40 crore<ref name="autogenerated2" /><!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
}}
'''''Rajapattai''''' ({{translation|King's path}}) is a 2011 Indian Tamil-language masala film co-written and directed by Suseenthiran based on a story by Seenu Vasan. The film stars Vikram and Deeksha Seth. The music was composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, the film is produced by Prasad V. Potluri's newly launched PVP Cinema.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-taken-over-by-pvp-cinemas-news-tamil-ljqmT8jhfgj.html?scategory=tamil |title=Rajapattai taken over by PVP Cinemas! |website=Sify |access-date=19 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122092554/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-taken-over-by-pvp-cinemas-news-tamil-ljqmT8jhfgj.html?scategory=tamil|archive-date=22 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The story revolves around the issue of land grabbing and how the protagonist becomes involved in it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_tough-guy-vikram_1590226 |title=Tough guy, Vikram! |work=Daily News and Analysis |date=22 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref>
The film was also dubbed into Telugu and was released as ''Veedinthe'' on 30 December 2011 and into Hindi as ''Main Hoon Dada No.1'' in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/gemini-film-circuit-snaps-rajapattai-news-tamil-ll2ny6fhjcf.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130230531/http://www.sify.com/movies/gemini-film-circuit-snaps-rajapattai-news-tamil-ll2ny6fhjcf.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 November 2011|title=Gemini Film Circuit snaps Rajapattai |website=Sify |date=25 November 2011 |access-date=25 November 2011}}</ref>
==Plot== {{More plot|date=July 2022}}<!--per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summaries should be between 400 and 700 words--> 'Anul' Murugan, a gym boy who dreams of becoming a successful villain in films, lives along with Shanmugham and his gym co-boys. He bumps into an old man Dakshinamoorthy who is under pressure from his son Chidambaram to sell his orphanage to a scheming lady politician Ranganayaki, who is majorly into land grabbing along with her hatchet man 'Vaappa' Abdul Kadhir. Murugan eventually falls in love with Dharshini. Murugan becomes Dakshinamoorthy's savior as Ranganayaki and her men are after them. How Murugan single-handedly fights Ranganayaki and brings her to light forms the rest of the story.
==Cast== {{colbegin}} * Vikram as Anal Murugan * Deeksha Seth as Dharshini * K. Viswanath as Dakshanamurthy * Pradeep Rawat as Abdul Kadhir alias Vaappa * Shanoor Sana as Ranganayaki alias Akka * Avinash as Chidambaram * Thambi Ramaiah as Shanmugham * Yogi Babu as Azhagu * Thalaivasal Vijay as Director * Chaams as Funny Actor * Aruldoss as goon * Narsing Yadav as goon * Mayilsamy as watchman * Theepetti Ganesan as Vethala * Jayaprakash in a guest appearance * Saloni Aswani as an item number ("Viladhi Villain") * Shriya Saran as an item number ("Laddu Laddu Rendu Laddu") * Reema Sen as an item number ("Laddu Laddu Rendu Laddu") * Anal Arasu as himself {{colend}}
==Production==
===Development=== In early 2007, it was reported that director Boopathy Pandian would direct a film written by his assistant, Seenu Vasan, with Ajith Kumar expected to play the lead role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/30328.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070408003149/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/30328.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2007 |title=Ajith on the move – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz |date=5 April 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> The film was briefly postponed as Ajith had to complete his remaining projects and soon Boopathy Pandian confirmed otherwise and revealed that the film would actually be made by Rajakaliamman Films with Vikram and Nayantara in the lead roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/33489.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913035628/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/33489.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 September 2007 |title=Nayantara opposite Vikram – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz |date=10 September 2007 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videos.behindwoods.com/videos-q1-09/director-interview/suseendiran-22-12-2011.html |title=Suseendiran - Tamil Cinema Director Interview - Suseendiran | Rajapattai | Vikram | Deeksha Seth |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> However Vikram's commitment to ''Kanthaswamy'' and ''Raavanan'' resulted in the film eventually becoming shelved. In late 2010, Vikram was forced to pull out of his film with director Selvaraghavan after the project was shelved too and gave dates to a new venture produced by the same studio, for a film to be directed by Suseenthiran.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-drops-selva-grabs-suseendran-news-tamil-km5l6Xbbfie.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103021958/http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-drops-selva-grabs-suseendran-news-tamil-km5l6Xbbfie.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2011 |title=Vikram drops Selva, grabs Suseendran |website=Sify.com |date=31 December 2010 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Reports emerged that the film would be titled ''Vendhan'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66564.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511110421/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66564.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 May 2011 |title=Yuvan to score Chiyaan's ''Vendhan'' |website=IndiaGlitz |date=10 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> but this was dismissed by the director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66822.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519223506/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/66822.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 May 2011 |title=Not ''Vendhan''... |website=IndiaGlitz |date=18 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> The director initially wanted to experiment with a new script but to make use of the actor's tight schedules he chose to use Seenu's original script. The new title of the film, "''Rajapattai''" was eventually released in May 2011,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603065823/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 June 2011 |title=Vikram walks on ''Raja Pattai'' |website=IndiaGlitz |date=2 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Vikram-to-shoot-in-Chennai/articleshow/8691708.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418040551/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-02/news-interviews/29612443_1_vikram-film-chennai |url-status=live |archive-date=18 April 2013 |title=Vikram to shoot in Chennai |date=2 June 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> with the first schedule planned to begin in early June.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Vikram-goes-back-to-romance/articleshow/8722620.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716040857/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/news-interviews/29620490_1_vikram-mani-ratnam-s-raavan-raavanan |url-status=live |archive-date=16 July 2012 |title=Vikram goes back to romance |date=4 June 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> A first press meet was held on 6 June 2011 with the entire crew being present. Kanakaratna Ramesh was to produce the film,<ref name="autogenerated1"/> however his teenage sons Pratish and Santosh were eventually revealed to be producers, launching their own banner named SP Creations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-pattai-team-meets-the-press-news-tamil-lghlnWajcag.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610122106/http://www.sify.com/movies/raja-pattai-team-meets-the-press-news-tamil-lghlnWajcag.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 June 2011 |title=Raja Pattai team meets the press |website=Sify.com |date=20 June 2007 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Suseenthiran disclosed that the film would be a "full-fledged commercial" masala film, with action, comedy and romance,<ref name="indiaglitz1">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67416.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609233412/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67416.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 June 2011 |title=FIR on Vikram's ''Rajapattai'' |website=IndiaGlitz |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-11-01/rajapattai-vikram-07-06-11.html |title=Vikram On Rajapaattai |website=Behindwoods.com |date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> further adding that the dialogues would be penned by Bhaskar Sakthi.<ref name="indiaglitz1"/> By September 2011, reports confirmed that the film had been taken over by Prasad V. Potluri's PVP Cinemas, after Ramesh faced financial restraints.<ref name="autogenerated2"/>
===Casting=== Reports suggested that the film would depict the relationship between a grandfather, played by K. Vishwanath and his grandson played by Vikram. Furthermore, the film was supposed to feature Vikram in dual roles as father and son,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/may-11-05/vikram-dheeksha-seth-31-05-11.html |title=Vikram's Latest Gimmick! |website=Behindwoods.com |date=31 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67181.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603062048/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67181.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 June 2011 |title=Vikram to don dual roles in Suseendran's next |website=IndiaGlitz |date=31 May 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> however the news was denied by sources, which confirmed that Vikram was to essay dual roles initially, but since the script had been reworked, he would play only one character.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/No-dual-role-for-Vikram/articleshow/8678717.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120726092545/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/news-interviews/29607973_1_vikram-dual-role-honorary-doctorate |url-status=live |archive-date=26 July 2012 |title=No dual role for Vikram |date=1 June 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.in.88db.com/index.php/movie/movie-news/10135-vikrams-vendhan-is-now-raja-pattai |title=Vikram's ''Vendhan'' is now 'Raja Pattai' |publisher=Reviews.in.88db.com |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Vikram was revealed to play a stunt man who aspires to become a noted villain in the film industry,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-03/vikram-rajapattai-17-09-11.html |title=The Other Side Of Vikram Revealed! |website=Behindwoods.com |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> with the makers adding that his character had negative shades.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/sep-11-04/vikram-suseenthiran-26-09-11.html |title=The Latest On Vikram Film |website=Behindwoods.com |date=26 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama |last=Subramanian |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vikram-aspiring-villain-924 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930152737/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/vikram-aspiring-villain-924 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 September 2011 |title=Vikram is an aspiring villain |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=29 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/73384.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309065953/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/73384.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 March 2014 |title=Latest on Vikram's 'Rajapattai' |website=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In March 2011, Deeksha Seth confirmed her presence in the film,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Deeksha-to-begin-Kollywood-career/articleshow/7595083.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612050052/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-01/news-interviews/28642965_1_kollywood-deeksha-seth-film |url-status=live |archive-date=12 June 2012 |title=Deeksha to begin Kollywood career |date=1 March 2011 |work=The Times of India |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> citing that she would portray the leading female role of an IT professional.<ref name="thehindu1">{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article2082863.ece |title=Off-beat film maker Suseendran changes tack |work=The Hindu|date=7 June 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> For a parallel lead female role, Amala Paul was signed on, but was forced to pull out due to schedule problems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/an-ace-up-amala-s-sleeve-news-tamil-lbzrJLahjih.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128024213/http://www.sify.com/movies/an-ace-up-amala-s-sleeve-news-tamil-lbzrJLahjih.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2011 |title=An ace up Amala's sleeve! |website=Sify.com |date=25 January 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> Sources reported that Mithra Kurian was then signed on for the film for her second big Tamil venture after ''Kaavalan'',<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama |last=Subramanian |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/mithra-kurien-team-chiyaan-vikram-324 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408064305/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/others/mithra-kurien-team-chiyaan-vikram-324 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2011 |title=Mithra Kurien to team up with Chiyaan Vikram |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=7 April 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> after discussions with Abhinaya were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/01/11/vikram-trilingual-flick-with-singanamala-ramesh |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112220454/http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/01/11/vikram-trilingual-flick-with-singanamala-ramesh |url-status=usurped |archive-date=12 January 2011 |title=Vikram Trilingual flick with Singanamala Ramesh |publisher=Cinefundas.com |date=11 January 2011 |access-date=3 August 2011}}</ref> However, the reports turned out to be false. Pradeep Rawat, best known for his performance in ''Ghajini'', was selected to play the main antagonist in the film.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Action-all-the-way-for-Pradeep-Rawat/articleshow/10137443.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220011753/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-27/news-interviews/30207703_1_dual-role-films-kollywood |url-status=live |archive-date=20 December 2011 |title=Action all the way for Pradeep Rawat |work=The Times of India |date=27 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Actresses Shriya Saran and Reemma Sen, who had both worked together with Vikram earlier, were roped in to perform an item number together,<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-to-sizzle-with-reema-shriya-news-tamil-ljtqJXeigah.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923172135/http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-to-sizzle-with-reema-shriya-news-tamil-ljtqJXeigah.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 September 2011 |title=Vikram to sizzle with Reema & Shriya! |website=Sify |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> after attempts to sign Hansika Motwani, who was reportedly offered {{INR}} 12 million for the role,<ref>{{cite web|first=Anupama|last=Subramanian|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/hansika-motwani-offered-rs-12cr-item-song-102 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916154858/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/kollywood/hansika-motwani-offered-rs-12cr-item-song-102 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 September 2011 |title=Hansika Motwani offered Rs 1.2cr for item song |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> had failed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Hansika-turns-down-1cr-for-item-song/articleshow/10019960.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011010402/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-18/news-interviews/30169511_1_song-hansika-meher-ramesh |url-status=live |archive-date=11 October 2011 |title=Hansika turns down '1cr for item song |work=The Times of India |date= 18 September 2011|access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In late October, National Film Award-winner Thambi Ramaiah as well as cinematographer-turned-actor Aruldass, who had also played a pivotal role in the director's ''Naan Mahaan Alla'', were roped in for other supporting roles.<ref name="thehindu1"/> Suseenthiran also confirmed that he would rejoin with the ''Naan Mahaan Alla'' crew, with Yuvan Shankar Raja, R. Madhi and Mu. Kasi Viswanathan taking care of the music, cinematography and editing, respectively.
===Filming=== Filming began in June 2011, with the first schedule, during which filming was held in and around Chennai, lasting for 60 days.<ref name="indiaglitz2">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603065823/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/67266.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 June 2011 |title=Vikram walks on 'Raja Pattai' |website=IndiaGlitz |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In August 2011, the first song was shot for five days in Mahabalipuram, with Vikram, Deeksha Seth and fifty back-up dancers participating.<ref name="indiatimes1">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Deeksha-Vikram-hit-the-beach/articleshow/9793940.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104114844/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-30/news-interviews/29944904_1_deeksha-seth-vikram-gym-instructor |url-status=live |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Deeksha, Vikram hit the beach! |work=The Times of India |date=30 August 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The team subsequently shot scenes in a set worth {{INR}} 4 million that was erected at Senthil Studios in Saligramam, Chennai,<ref name="indiatimes1"/> while the next schedule was to be shot in Thiruvannaamalai and Pondicherry.<ref name="indiatimes1"/> In October 2011, filming was held near the Ramachandra Medical College in Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/oct-11-02/vikram-11-10-11.html |title=Raja Pattai Team Spotted! |website=Behindwoods.com |date=11 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> Few days later, the crew was shooting a song and several stunt sequences near Karaikudi,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Vikram-Suseenthiran-shoot-near-Karaikudi/articleshow/10366681.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714093616/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-15/news-interviews/30283443_1_vikram-and-deeksha-seth-film-music |url-status=live |archive-date=14 July 2012 |title=Vikram & Suseenthiran shoot near Karaikudi |work=The Times of India |date=15 October 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> and later in Kumbakonam.<ref name="indiatimes2">{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Rs-3-crore-climax-for-Rajapattai/articleshow/10399193.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Rs 3 crore climax for Rajapattai}}</ref> The climax scene that was canned for eight days at the Binny Mills in Chennai,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-s-rajapattai-nears-completion-news-tamil-lkvj7dffefd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111023182447/http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-s-rajapattai-nears-completion-news-tamil-lkvj7dffefd.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 October 2011 |title=Vikram's Rajapattai nears completion! |website=Sify.com |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> had reportedly cost approximately {{INR}} 30 million.<ref name="indiatimes2"/><ref>{{cite web|first= Nidhi R.|last= Daiya|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/kollywoods-urge-splurge-111 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102162140/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/tabloid/chennai/kollywoods-urge-splurge-111 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 November 2011 |title=Kollywood's urge to splurge |work=Deccan Chronicle|date=1 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> During the last week of October and early November, Saloni Aswani, who had previously starred in ''Madurai Veeran'', was shooting for the song "Villadhi Villain" along with Vikram at the AVM Studios, Chennai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/saloni-shakes-a-leg-with-vikram-for-rajapattai-news-tamil-llbrgkdeeeb.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103195451/http://www.sify.com/movies/saloni-shakes-a-leg-with-vikram-for-rajapattai-news-tamil-llbrgkdeeeb.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 November 2011 |title=Saloni shakes a leg with Vikram for Rajapattai |website=Sify.com |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> The item number, featuring Shriya Saran and Reemma Sen, was initially to be filmed in Japan,<ref name="autogenerated3"/> however, since Suseenthiran was not satisfied with the locations, he decided to can it in Lucca, Italy.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Suseenthirans-Italian-job/articleshow/10578208.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418040625/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-01/news-interviews/30350709_1_vikram-italian-job-director-suseenthiran |url-status=live |archive-date=18 April 2013 |title=Suseenthiran's Italian job |work=The Times of India |date=1 November 2011 |access-date=19 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118047607 | work=Variety | first=Nick | last=Vivarelli | title=Tuscany welcomes Chinese soap opera | date=17 December 2011}}</ref> Other locations in Italy where filming was held include Volterra, Monteriggioni and Montecatini Terme.<ref>{{Cite web |last=iakké |title=Toscana: set cinematografici, due mega produzioni da Cina e India {{!}} Radiocor, giovedi' 1 dicembre 2011 (articolo 1004990) |url=http://archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com/articolo-1004990/toscana-set-cinematografici-due-mega/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20111202203823/http://archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com/articolo-1004990/toscana-set-cinematografici-due-mega/ |archive-date=2011-12-02 |website=archivio-radiocor.ilsole24ore.com |language=it}}</ref>
==Music== {{Main|Rajapattai (soundtrack)}} ''Rajapattai''{{'s}} score and soundtrack are composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, becoming his first work for a Vikram-starrer.<ref name="thehindu1" /> The album's Telugu version was launched first on 21 November 2011 at Taj Deccan in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 November 2011 |title=Veedinthe music launched |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/veedinthe-music-launched-news-news-lmim54cebia.html?scategory=telugu |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411230218/http://www.sify.com/movies/veedinthe-music-launched-news-news-lmim54cebia.html?scategory=telugu |archive-date=11 April 2014 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2011 |title=Veedinthe (by birth) music launch – Telugu cinema |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-veedinthe.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208154318/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions/audio-veedinthe.html |archive-date=8 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012 |publisher=Idlebrain.com}}</ref> The original Tamil version was released two days later at the Anna Centenary Auditorium in Kotturpuram, Chennai.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 November 2011 |title=Rajapattai audio launched |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-audio-launched-news-tamil-lmkjFzgbggf.html?scategory=tamil |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109011501/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-audio-launched-news-tamil-lmkjFzgbggf.html?scategory=tamil |archive-date=9 January 2012 |access-date=9 November 2012 |website=Sify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-11-24 |title=A musical affair! |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Dec/13/a-musical-affair-319754.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250220132709/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2011/Dec/13/a-musical-affair-319754.html |archive-date=2025-02-20 |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
==Release== In early November 2011, reports confirmed that Sun Pictures had bought the domestic distribution rights of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sun-snaps-vikram-s-rajapattai-news-tamil-llckmhgbiaf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104135033/http://www.sify.com/movies/sun-snaps-vikram-s-rajapattai-news-tamil-llckmhgbiaf.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2011 |title=Sun snaps Vikram's Rajapattai |website=Sify.com |date=3 November 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> However two weeks later, Sun Pictures cancelled the deal and opted out.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/sun-pictures-opts-out-of-rajapattai-news-tamil-llrlG4dcegi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120010552/http://www.sify.com/movies/sun-pictures-opts-out-of-rajapattai-news-tamil-llrlG4dcegi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 November 2011 |title=Sun Pictures opts out of Rajapattai! |website=Sify.com |date=18 November 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> Subsequently, Gemini Film Circuit acquired the theatrical release rights, confirming the film' release for the Christmas weekend on 23 December 2011.<ref name="sify.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/gemini-film-circuit-snaps-rajapattai-news-tamil-ll2ny6fhjcf.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111130230531/http://www.sify.com/movies/gemini-film-circuit-snaps-rajapattai-news-tamil-ll2ny6fhjcf.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 November 2011 |title=Gemini Film Circuit snaps Rajapattai |website=Sify.com |date=28 November 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> The Telugu version would be released one week later, distributed by Suresh Movies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-s-veedinthe-on-dec-30-news-news-lmnjERchehi.html?scategory=telugu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924213137/http://www.sify.com/movies/vikram-s-veedinthe-on-dec-30-news-news-lmnjERchehi.html?scategory=telugu |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Vikram's Veedinthe on Dec 30 |website=Sify.com |date=13 December 2011 |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
== Reception ==
===Critical response=== ''Behindwoods'' gave the film 2.5 out of 5 and wrote that it was "only for Vikram's fans and action lovers" and also stated 'Rajapattai is popcorn in its flavor'.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAJAPATTAI MOVIE REVIEW|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/dec-11-04/rajapattai-review.html}}</ref> Pavithra Srinivasan from ''Rediff'' described the film as bland, adding that it was "just an actor's quest for superstardom, and is a disappointing fare", giving it 2 out of 5.<ref>{{cite web|title=Movie Review: Rajapattai|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/review-rajapattai/20111223.htm}}</ref> ''Sify'' wrote: "This old-fashioned masala entertainer is enjoyable in parts. It is vintage Vikram coupled with rich production values that makes ''Rajapattai'' watchable, despite its obvious flaws".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-review-tamil-14986546.html |title=Movie Review:Rajapattai |website=Sify.com |access-date=9 November 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628032228/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajapattai-review-tamil-14986546.html|archive-date=28 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> CNN-IBN rated 2 out of 5 and wrote that it was a "road unfit to travel".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-review-rajapattai--a-road-unfit-for-travel/214771-8-68.html |title=Tamil Review: 'Rajapattai' - a road unfit for travel - Movies News - Tamil - ibnlive |website=ibnlive.in.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107195322/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tamil-review-rajapattai--a-road-unfit-for-travel/214771-8-68.html |archive-date=7 January 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Chennaionline noted: "Had Suseenthiran managed to keep an element of suspense somewhere in the script, the film could have been more watchable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114224024221/Movie-Review--Rajapattai.col |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108072524/http://chennaionline.com/movies/movie-reviews/20114224024221/Movie-Review--Rajapattai.col |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2012 |title=Movie Review : 'Rajapattai' |publisher=ChennaiOnline |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website}} * {{IMDb title}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes}} {{Suseenthiran}} Category:2010s masala films Category:2011 Tamil-language films Category:2011 films Category:2011 Indian films Category:Films directed by Suseenthiran Category:Films scored by Yuvan Shankar Raja Category:Films shot in Madurai Category:Films shot in Tiruchirappalli Category:Films shot in Tuscany Category:Tamil-language Indian films